Chicago students are encouraged to consider completing their law study with the capstone experience of a judicial clerkship following graduation. A judicial clerkship offers a unique and challenging post-graduate opportunity to develop a relationship with a judge, to observe lawyers "in action", and to reflect on many of the novel legal issues of our time. In addition, for those interested in academic careers, a judicial clerkship is an important credential. Students interested in applying for judicial clerkships are aided by a faculty committee, the Office of Career Services, faculty and their assistants, programs, and resources in the Office of Career Services.

An increasing trend in the clerkship market is for alumni to seek clerkships after spending some time in practice.  Chicago alumni have had great success in the clerkship market under this growing trend.  Over the past several years, approximately 20-25% of the graduating class obtains a judicial clerkship. Following this initial judicial clerkship, some graduates elect a second judicial clerkship; for some, this second judicial clerkship is with a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.  During the 2004-05 term, seven Chicago graduates clerked for the justices in the U.S. Supreme Court.

For more information about judicial clerkships, please contact the Office of Career Services.